GAR Forms as of 2024

The UK government’s new Universal Permission to Travel (UPT) scheme

The changes to the Submit a General Aviation Report (sGAR) system are primarily driven by the UK government’s broader initiative to digitise border and immigration processes. This has significant implications for pilots and operators, particularly regarding the need for advanced checks and compliance with digital immigration protocols. Here are the key areas of impact:

Universal Permission to Travel (UPT) Requirement

Pilots and operators must submit Advance Passenger Information (API) through the sGAR system, which is now integrated with the UPT. The UPT confirms if each individual on board has the required immigration permission before they are allowed to travel to the UK.

For non-visa nationals, a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be required, which must be confirmed digitally through sGAR. This will replace physical documents for many travelers, with ETA requirements progressively rolled out.

New UPT Response Messages

The sGAR system will now return real-time response messages, either showing “Valid Permission to Travel” or “Authority to Carry Granted”. Pilots and operators must check these messages before boarding passengers.

A “Do Not Board” instruction may be issued if an individual is flagged by the Home Office as not having the proper authority to travel.

This the reason why SkyDemon and other flight planning systems had to abandon their online GAR application forms. In SkyDemon’s case they were using an API from onlinegar.com who cannot (as of end 2024) handle the UPT messages.

Responsibilities for Document Checks

While digital immigration permissions are being adopted, pilots and operators still have an obligation to carry out identity checks on passengers’ passports or travel documents to verify their validity.

For visa nationals, operators will still need to confirm that passengers possess the necessary visas or exemptions through the sGAR system.

Phasing Out of Physical Documents

As part of the move towards a fully digital immigration system, physical documents like visas, vignettes, and biometric residence permits are being phased out, starting in Autumn 2024. Operators will increasingly rely on digital permissions accessed via the sGAR system to confirm passengers’ eligibility to travel.

Carrier Liability

Pilots and operators will be liable for ensuring that every passenger has valid permission to travel to the UK. This includes penalties for carrying passengers who are inadequately documented, whether they are visa or non-visa nationals.

The overarching goal of these changes is to enhance border security and streamline immigration processes by increasing the use of digital technology. However, this also raises the bar for compliance among pilots and operators, who must ensure they are up to date with these evolving requirements and utilise the sGAR system effectively.

Transition to Digital-Only Immigration Products

The system is moving away from physical immigration documents (such as visas and Biometric Residence Permits) to digital-only products like eVisas.

eVisas are digital records of a passenger’s immigration status, and they can be viewed, checked, and shared online. This digital transition will be fully rolled out by the end of 2024 for BRP holders and later in 2025 for others.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):

For non-visa nationals, an ETA will become mandatory. This is a digital permission to travel to the UK, valid for two years or until the passport expires.

ETA requirements initially target nationals from select countries, with plans for broader rollout in the future.

Authority to Carry (ATC) Scheme:

The updated Authority to Carry Scheme 2023 is designed to prevent travel for certain individuals (e.g., those with deportation orders or using lost/stolen documents). The sGAR system will notify pilots/operators if passengers fall under this category.

Penalties and Compliance:

The Carriers’ Liability Scheme is also evolving to reflect the changes. Pilots and operators may face penalties if they carry passengers without valid permissions under the UPT scheme.
These changes collectively aim to enhance UK border security and streamline the process of managing international GA flights​.

See also Schengen Area VFR Flight Rules and U.K. Airfields, Customs and GAR forms